§ Mr. Bensonasked the Home Secretary how many boys and how many girls were released from Borstal at the outbreak of war; how many of these are still on licence; how many have obtained employment; how many are now back on revoked licence; how many boys have joined the Forces; whether the authorities still release almost automatically at the end of six months; and, if so, whether steps are being taken to revise the system of training and place it upon a six months' basis?
§ Sir J. AndersonOne thousand six hundred and seventy-seven youths and 118 girls were released on licence from Borstal institutions on or shortly after the outbreak of war. Of these, 221 males and 23 females are again in custody on reconviction or on revocation of their licenses. The remainder are still on licence. Of the males who are still on licence, 481 are known to have joined His Majesty's Forces. Precise figures as to the number of the remainder who have obtained employment since their discharge are not available, but the number is estimated at 95 per cent. Of the 95 females who are still on licence, 66 are known to be in employment, while eight1378W others are living at home and are not in need of work. As stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for West houghton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 7th March, these discharges were authorised purely as an emergency measure, and there is no intention of applying a similar policy to persons who are at present, or may be in the future, undergoing sentences of Borstal detention.